Since statehood in 1912, Arizona has contributed its rich culture and varied landscape to the American experience.
In the land of the Grand Canyon, prehistoric Native American ruins coexist with city skyscrapers. The Wild West gives way to Spanish and Victorian architecture. With a change in altitude, residents and visitors alike can ski up north near Flagstaff or hike the deserts around Phoenix.
With sunshine an average of over 300 days every year, what's not to love about this beautiful state? Paddle board in Phoenix, watch professional hockey and football in Glendale, attend Motorcycles on Main in Mesa or hike around Scottsdale. Student life in Arizona promises to enrich, entertain and expand horizons.
With hundreds of choices for higher education, everyone can find their perfect school. Small-town schools, private universities, research-centric colleges and eco-friendly campuses provide a tailored education. Some universities offer project-based education while others excel at offering online degrees. One school created a collaborative campus where businesses lease space and share research. And if you are looking for an online school in the Grand Canyon state, check out our Best Online Colleges in Arizona.
Arizona is ahead of the nation for new job growth. Unemployment has declined 7.4 percent and reached levels from before the Great Recession. Reflecting that statistic, college enrollments are down in the 24-and-older student segment. When job security and satisfaction are high, adults stay with employers rather than pursue further education. Meanwhile, enrollments in Arizona have trended higher than the rest of the country. Numbers increased 5.2 percent in 2014, 2.9 percent in 2015 and 1.3 percent in 2016.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
What are the best colleges in Arizona?
Universities are ranked on several criteria. Schools with the best scores achieve high graduation rates with a low student-to-faculty ratio. Generous financial aid reduces the debt burden on graduates. Universities listed here maintain a stellar reputation and admit the highest achievers. The best schools set up students for future success with higher starting salaries and prepare them for rewarding careers. Data included in this report was collected from numerous trusted sources such as U.S. News & World Report, Payscale and individual collegiate websites.
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
